Why is there an increase in flatulence after the treatment of Helicobacter pylori?

Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
Updated on March 10, 2025
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After treatment for Helicobacter pylori, having more flatulence generally isn't directly related to the treatment, as the medication used includes proton pump inhibitors, antibiotics such as amoxicillin, clarithromycin, as well as bismuth citrate potassium. None of these drugs typically cause increased flatulence. If a patient experiences more flatulence after treatment, it might be due to functional dyspepsia. At this point, treating the condition with medications that regulate the gut flora, such as combined lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium triple live bacteria, might be effective. If the increased flatulence persists, it is advisable to promptly undergo a digital colonoscopy to rule out the possibility of organic intestinal diseases. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Yang Chun Guang
Gastroenterology
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Can a gastroscopy check for Helicobacter pylori?

Normally, when conducting a gastroscopy, it is possible to test for Helicobacter pylori, but this method of detection is less commonly used in clinical practice nowadays, as it requires undergoing a gastroscopy, which can be quite distressing and may cause nausea and vomiting. Currently, the main method used in clinical practice for detecting Helicobacter pylori is the breath test, typically using carbon-13 or carbon-14. This involves swallowing a capsule and then blowing into a device to test for Helicobacter pylori infection. This method is more convenient, which is why it has increasingly replaced gastroscopy for detecting Helicobacter pylori.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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Can I eat cake during the treatment of Helicobacter pylori?

During the treatment process for Helicobacter pylori, it is permissible to eat cake, as there are no specific dietary restrictions. However, it is important to avoid spicy and stimulating foods, as well as strong liquor, strong tea, coffee, etc. Treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection may include the use of proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole and lansoprazole combined with antibiotics like amoxicillin, clarithromycin, and metronidazole, often in a quadruple therapy regimen with bismuth citrate for two weeks aimed at eradicating the infection. Patients with Helicobacter pylori infection should consume easy-to-digest, bland foods and avoid overly spicy and stimulating foods. (Please follow your doctor's prescription when using medications.)

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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Is the treatment process for Helicobacter pylori uncomfortable?

The treatment process for Helicobacter pylori infection is not uncomfortable, primarily involving oral medication. Treatment options include a combination of two antibiotics such as amoxicillin, clarithromycin, furazolidone, metronidazole, etc., alongside a proton pump inhibitor like omeprazole, pantoprazole, or lansoprazole, and the addition of bismuth citrate. This forms a quadruple therapy administered over two weeks to eradicate the infection. During treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection, it is advised to consume a diet rich in vitamins, incorporating fresh vegetables and fruits. It is important to eat regularly, avoid overeating or consuming oily, spicy, and irritating foods. (Please follow medical advice when using medications.)

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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Can treatment for Helicobacter pylori be stopped at any time?

During the treatment of Helicobacter pylori, it is not advisable to stop the medication arbitrarily, as doing so may lead to insufficient treatment duration and result in a failure to eradicate the bacteria. Therefore, it is recommended to use a bismuth-containing quadruple therapy for two weeks to eradicate Helicobacter pylori. The specific medications included in this two-week quadruple therapy are a proton pump inhibitor such as pantoprazole or lansoprazole, plus two antibiotics such as amoxicillin, clarithromycin, or metronidazole, combined with bismuth potassium citrate. The medication should be taken under medical supervision. Helicobacter pylori infection can be detected through a carbon-13 breath test or a carbon-14 breath test.

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Can Helicobacter pylori infection recur after treatment?

Helicobacter pylori, once treated, does not recur, but it is possible to be infected again after the treatment is completed. Currently, the infection rate of Helicobacter pylori in our country has exceeded 50%, so it is important to be cautious during communal meals. Due to the Chinese dietary habit of sharing dishes using the same chopsticks, it is easy to spread Helicobacter pylori. Therefore, it is advisable to use serving chopsticks, which can significantly reduce the infection rate of Helicobacter pylori. If reinfected with Helicobacter pylori, it is necessary to undergo eradication treatment again. The treatment involves a proton pump inhibitor, two types of antibiotics, and a bismuth agent, totaling a 14-day treatment. After infection with Helicobacter pylori, dietary precautions are also needed, focusing on a light, easily digestible diet, and avoiding difficult-to-digest foods.